TV Boss Won't Commission Sarah Everard Drama

Channel 5's chief content officer, Ben Frow, declared he would never commission a drama centered on Sarah Everard's murder for his network. Although Frow respects the BBC's upcoming drama about the investigation, he stated that such a story wouldn't meet his personal commissioning standards. His decision-making process involves assessing if he would watch the program himself, if it presents more challenges than it's worth, and the fundamental reason for its creation.

Despite his stance on the Everard case, Frow has not shied away from controversial subjects. His network has produced dramas exploring the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and the case of a BBC newsreader convicted for downloading child sexual abuse images. Frow highlighted that while contributors to these programs might not directly participate, awareness and knowledge of their involvement are managed. He stressed that contributor welfare and privacy are paramount considerations in today's media landscape, ensuring stories are told responsibly.

Frow also addressed a lawsuit concerning a shelved drama series, reiterating Channel 5's commitment to contributor welfare. He noted that legal disputes sometimes arise, and if a contributor expresses significant concerns, the network listens. In certain situations, this can lead to a program being canceled or fundamentally altered if it's perceived to be handled inappropriately or if strong objections are raised, underscoring a cautious approach to sensitive content.